The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind arearesidents that frostbite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facinganyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing. It only takes afew minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur. Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissuebegins to die. The hands and feet are usually affected first. Hypothermiaoccurs when the body's core temperature is lowered, and can result in deathif the drop in body heat slows the heart rate too much. Frostbite symptomsinclude numbness in the fingers, ears, nose, or feet. The affected areasmay be red or white and hurt when rewarmed. Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of rewarming theaffected area. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significantdestruction of tissue. Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene,leading to possible amputation of the affected body part. To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, persons should wear hats whichcover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, mittens instead ofgloves so fingers can warm each other, and several layers of clothing totrap the body heat. Dampness increases the risk of frostbite and clothingshould be changed if it becomes wet. Drinking alcohol increases the chance of both hypothermia and frostbite.Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs the judgement of how cold the personreally is. Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels whichinterfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite. The Health Department reminds everyone to avoid exposure to extreme coldfor more than a few minutes. Serious tissue damage can occur in a shortperiod of time.